Travel container, system, kit, and method

ABSTRACT

A travel container, system, kit, and method for carrying flowable materials onto a commercial airline are presently provided. The travel container has an outer wall with a top opening and a bottom opening and a maximum fill capacity of 3.4 ounces or at least one measure demarcation on the outer wall. The at least one measure demarcation demarks at most 3.4 ounces of flowable materials in the travel container. The travel kit has a carrier with a volume of at most one quart and is configured to hold and carry each of the travel containers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/965,820 filed Jan. 25 2020 entitled “Travel Container,System, Kit, and Method”, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to travel containers,systems, kits, and methods. More specifically, travel containers,systems, kits, and methods that may provide a convenience to commercialairline passengers in carrying liquids, aerosols, gels, creams andpastes.

BACKGROUND

The US Transportation Security Administration, TSA, implementedregulations that regulate the containing, and limit quantities, ofliquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in carryon baggage. Theseregulations may need be met when a passenger passes through a checkpointat an airport. These regulations and limitations may pose challenges tocommercial airline passengers when carrying liquids, aerosols, gels,creams and pastes onto a commercial plane.

The presently disclosed travel container, system, kit, and method mayprovide a convenience to commercial airline passengers in carryingliquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes onto a commercial plane, incarryon baggage, for example.

SUMMARY

In at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a travel containerconfigured for carrying flowable materials onto a commercial airline isprovided. The travel container has an outer wall with a top opening anda bottom opening. The top opening is configured and disposed to dispensethe flowable materials from the travel container and the bottom openingis configured and disposed to receive the flowable materials into thetravel container. A removable cap is configured to engage an upperportion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials fromexiting the top opening. A removable closure is configured to engage alower portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials fromexiting the bottom opening. The travel container has a maximum fillcapacity of 3.4 ounces or at least one measure demarcation, demarking atmost 3.4 ounces, on the outer wall. The at least one measure demarcationindicates at least one of a fill volume and a volume of the flowablematerial contained in the travel container.

In at least one other aspect of the present disclosure, a travel kitconfigured for carrying flowable materials onto a commercial airline,the travel kit is provided. The at least one travel container has anouter wall with a top opening and a bottom opening. The top opening isconfigured and disposed to dispense the flowable materials from thetravel container and the bottom opening is configured and disposed toreceive the flowable materials into the travel container. A removablecap is configured to engage an upper portion of the outer wall andprevent the flowable materials from exiting the top opening. A removableclosure is configured to engage lower portion of the outer wall andprevent the flowable materials from exiting the bottom opening. The atleast one container has a maximum fill capacity of 3.4 ounces or atleast one measure demarcation, demarking at most 3.4 ounces, of flowablematerials in the travel container. The kit further has a carrier havinga volume of at most one quart and which is configured to hold and carryeach of the at least one travel container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The following Figures, which are idealized, are not to scale and areintended to be merely illustrative of aspects of the present disclosureand non-limiting. In the drawings, like elements are depicted by likereference numerals. The drawings are briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative embodiment of the presently disclosedtravel container;

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative embodiment of a removable insert configuredto be inserted into a top opening of the travel container shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 shows an illustrative embodiment of a removable bottom closureconfigured to slide onto a portion of the outer wall proximate thebottom opening of the travel container shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative embodiment of a travel kit configured forcarrying flowable materials onto a commercial airline;

FIG. 5 shows an illustrative embodiment of an area configured anddisposed for an indication of a type of the flowable material containedin the presently disclosed travel container;

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative embodiment of a removable bottom closureconfigured for pinching the outer wall and closing the bottom opening ofthe travel container shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7 and 8 show an illustrative embodiment of a removable bottomclosure having an oblong cam shaped feature configured to seal thebottom opening closed of the travel container shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 shows an illustrative embodiment of a removable bottom closurehaving a removable stabilizer and configured to slide onto a portion ofthe outer wall proximate the bottom opening of the travel containershown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 10 and 10 a show an illustrative embodiment of a removable topclosure and a removable insert and their cooperation with the topopening of the presently disclosed travel container; and

FIG. 11 shows illustrative embodiments of removable inserts configuredto cooperate with the top opening of the presently disclosed travelcontainer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is not to be taken in a limitingsense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the generalprinciples of the disclosure, since the scope of the disclosure is bestdefined by the appended claims. Various inventive features are describedbelow that may each be used independently of one another or incombination with other features.

The US Transportation Security Administration, TSA, has implementedregulations that limit the volume and the quantity of containers ofliquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes that can be in your carry-onbag when passing through the checkpoint at the airport. These containersare limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100milliliters) or less. The quantity of containers is limited the numberthat fit in a quart-sized bag. Placing these items in the small bag andseparating them from your carry-on baggage facilitates the screeningprocess. Packed items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters may be transported in checked baggage.

Presently disclosed is a travel container, system, and method forcarrying liquids onto an aircraft that may provide passengers aconvenience in meeting the carry-on regulations established by the TSA.Aspects of the present disclosure may provide a universal standardizedsolution to meet TSA requirements for carryon travel containers whichmay maximize and optimize the allowable volumes, quantities, and spaceconstraints for containers, eliminate or minimize leakage from travelcontainers caused by pressure cycle events during travel, and/oraccommodate filling and dispensing the many different viscosities andvolumes of different materials desired to be in travel containers by theconsumer.

Presently disclosed is a travel container configured for carryingflowable materials, such as liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes,onto a commercial airline and may provide advantages for otheractivities. For example, the presently disclosed travel container maycontain flowable liquids and resist leakage during exterior pressurechanges or cycling of exterior pressure. Changes or cycling of exteriorpressure on the container may be encountered during changes in elevationwhich may be encountered during air travel or other activities such asskiing, climbing, hiking, etc., or other activities that may subject thecontainer to a change in elevation.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present exemplaryembodiments and aspects of the present invention, examples of which areillustrated in the accompanying figures. Wherever possible, the samereference numbers will be used throughout the figures to refer to thesame or like parts.

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative embodiment of travel container 100. Travelcontainer 100 is configured for carrying flowable materials onto acommercial airline. Outer wall 104 has a top opening 121 and a bottomopening 123, shown in FIG. 5. The top opening 121 is configured anddisposed to dispense the flowable materials from the travel containerand the bottom opening 123 is configured and disposed to receive theflowable materials into travel container 100. Removable cap 102 isconfigured to engage an upper portion of outer wall 104 and prevent theflowable materials from exiting the top opening 121. Removable closure106 is configured to engage lower portion of outer wall 104 and preventthe flowable materials from exiting the bottom opening 123. Travelcontainer 100 has at least one measure demarcation 115 on outer wall104.

At least one measure demarcation indicates at least one of a fill volumeand a volume of the flowable material contained in the travel container.For example, measure demarcation 115 a is proximate the top opening 121and may indicate the volume of the flowable material contained in thetravel container being 3.4 ounces, upon the travel container beingoriented with the top opening 121 above the bottom opening 123. Measuredemarcation 115 b is proximate the bottom opening 123 and may indicate afill volume of 3.4 ounces, upon the removable closure being removed andthe travel container being oriented with the bottom opening 123 abovethe top opening 121. One or more measure demarcations may be permanentlyetched into, and be a part of, travel container outer wall 104. In atleast one embodiment, travel container 100 has at least two measuredemarcations, wherein at least one of the measure demarcations demarksat most 3.4 ounces of flowable materials in travel container 100.

FIG. 2 shows removable insert 103 configured to be inserted into a topopening 121 of travel container 100. Removable insert 103 may beconfigured to be inserted into the top opening 121 of travel container100 and have a selected sized opening therein, 105. Travel container100, or a travel kit, may have a first removable insert having a firstsized opening therein and a second removable insert having a secondsized opening therein, wherein the first sized opening is different thanthe second sized opening. For example, removable insert 103 may have anopening 105 a of a first size, 105 b of a second size, or 105 c of athird size. For example, an upper opening in container 100, or anopening in an insert 103, may have a radius configured for thedispensing of fluids of different viscosities. For example, the upperopening may be small for low viscosity liquids, such as opening 105 a,and larger for more viscous fluids or flowable materials such asshampoo, for example opening 105 c. The removable cap may have a knurledportion for grasping and may have a seal, such as an o-ring, configuredand disposed for sealing the cap with the upper opening. In at least oneembodiment, removable insert 103 has a seal 107, such as an o-ring seal.

FIG. 3 shows removable bottom closure 106 configured to slide onto aportion of outer wall 104, proximate the bottom opening 123 of travelcontainer 100. Removable bottom closure 106 may be configured to slideonto a portion of outer wall 104 proximate the bottom opening 123,sliding perpendicularly to an axis extending from the top opening 121 tothe bottom opening 123 of travel container 100. In at least oneembodiment, removable bottom closure has a cylindrical “C” shapedportion 111 extending about a centrally extending rod 110. Removablebottom closure 106 may have an extending portion 108 configured forturning removable bottom closure 106 and reducing or expanding thevolume of travel container 100. For example, a lower portion of outerwall 104 may be folded and inserted into the opening in C shaped portion101 and extending rod 110 may extend between the folded portions ofouter wall 104. Upon turning removable bottom portion 106, outer wall104 may wrap around C shaped portion 101 and thus decrease the volume oftravel container 100. This may force flowable materials contained intravel container 100 out of the top opening 121.

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative embodiment of travel kit 200 configured forcarrying flowable materials onto a commercial airline. Travel kit 200may have one or more travel containers, such as travel containers 100 a,100 b, 100 c, and 100 d. Each travel container has an outer wall with atop opening 121 and a bottom opening 123. The top opening 121 isconfigured and disposed to dispense the flowable materials from thetravel container and the bottom opening 123 is configured and disposedto receive the flowable materials into the travel container. A removablecap 203 is provided for each container in travel kit 200 and eachremovable cap 203 is configured to engage an upper portion of the outerwall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the top opening121. A removable closure 206 is provided for each travel container andeach removable bottom closure 206 is configured to engage lower portionof the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting thebottom opening 123.

Each travel container supplied in travel kit 200 has a maximum fillcapacity of 3.4 ounces or at least one measure demarcation, demarking atmost 3.4 ounces, of flowable materials in the travel container. Forexample, a travel container may have a fill volume proximate the bottomopening 123 to provide a demarcation for filling the container trough abottom opening 123. Alternatively, or additionally, a travel containermay have measure demarcation proximate the top opening 121 to indicatethe volume of the flowable material contained in the travel container,upon the travel container being oriented with the top opening 121 abovethe bottom opening 123. Another option may be to provide a permanentindication of maximum contents of 3.4 ounces on the container. Thetravel containers may have different dimensions such as differentheights and widths. For example, travel container 100 b may have a widthof x and travel container 100 d may have a width of y, wherein x isgreater than y.

Travel kit 200 has a carrier 202 with a volume of at most one quart.Carrier 202 is configured to hold and carry each of the at least onetravel container in travel kit 200. Carrier 202 has a closure 204configured for opening and closing carrier 202. Travel kit 200 may havea plurality of removable caps 203, removable bottom closures 206, andmay have a plurality of removable inserts 103. For example, travel kit200 may have several removable inserts with different diameters, 105 a,105 b, and/or 105 c for configuring a selected travel container fordispensing a selected flowable material. In at least one embodiment,travel kit 200 has least one removable insert 103 configured to beinserted into the top opening 121 of a travel container, the removableinsert 103 has a selected sized opening therein. In at least one otherembodiment, travel kit 200 has first removable insert 103 having a firstsized opening 105 a therein and a second removable insert 103 having asecond sized opening 105 b therein, wherein the first sized opening 105a is different than the second sized opening 105 b. The heights of thecontainers may vary as well. For example, container 100 c and 100 d mayboth be sized to hold 3.4 ounces.

In at least one embodiment, travel kit 200 has a carrier 202 with aflexible or foldable wall. For example, carrier 202 may be sized totightly fit the travel containers contained therein. Carrier 202 may beconfigured to be reduced in volume to a volume proximate to each of thetravel containers held therein. In at least one embodiment, upon placingthe containers into carrier 202, air may be evacuated from carrier 202and thus reduce the volume of carrier 202 to proximate the volume of thecontainers held therein. Carrier 202 may have a volume of one quart andan outer demarcation indicating the volume of carrier 200 to be onequart.

FIG. 5 shows an illustrative embodiment of an area 110 configured anddisposed for an indication of a type of the flowable material containedin the presently disclosed travel container. In at least one embodiment,the presently disclosed travel container has at least one area 110configured and disposed for an indication of a type of the flowablematerial contained in the travel container. For example, area 112 may beprovided for the checking of an indication of the type of flowablematerial or provide space, such as proximate “Other” where the type offlowable material may be written or marked.

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative embodiment of a removable bottom closure109 configured for pinching the outer wall 104 and closing the bottomopening 123 of the travel container disclosed herein. For example, thepresently disclosed travel container may have removable bottom closure109 with a pinching mechanism 113 configured for pinching outer wall 104and closing the bottom opening 123. For example, pinching mechanism 113may have teeth which may be concave, such as 113 a, or may be convex,such as teeth 113 b.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show an illustrative embodiment of removable bottomclosure having an oblong cam shaped feature 130 a configured to seal thebottom opening 123 closed. For example, the presently disclosed travelcontainer may have removable bottom closure with a cylindrical “C”shaped portion 126 extending about a centrally extending rod 130. Anoblong cam shaped feature 130 a may extend from centrally extending rod130 and be configured to compress outer wall 104 against the “C” shapedportion 126 and seal the bottom opening 123 closed.

FIG. 8 shows cross sections A-A′ and B-B′, as indicated in FIG. 7. Knob128 may be rotated to extend cam shaped feature 130 a toward “C” shapedportion 126, as shown in Section B-B and seal bottom opening 123 closed.A rotation of knob 128 may extend cam shaped feature 130 a toward theopening in “C” shaped portion 126, as shown in Section A-A, releasingpressure on wall 104. In at least one embodiment, the removable bottomclosure has an oblong cylindrical “C” shaped portion 241.

FIG. 9 shows an illustrative embodiment of a removable bottom closurehaving a removable stabilizer 141 configured to slide onto a portion ofthe outer wall proximate the bottom opening of the travel container. Anoblong cam shaped feature 130 a may extend from centrally extending rod110 and be configured to compress outer wall 104 against the “C” shapedportion 111 and seal the bottom opening 123 closed. Centrally extendingrod 110 may extend from knob 108 and trough and beyond “C” shapedportion 111. “C” shaped portion 111 may have outer threads proximate anend thereof. Removable stabilizer 141 may have an inner threadconfigured for engaging the outer threads on “C” shaped portion 111 anda central aperture 142. Central aperture 142 may be configured toclosely receive centrally extending rod 110 and stabilize oblong camshaped feature 130 a in “C” shaped portion 111.

FIGS. 10 and 10 a show an illustrative embodiments of removable topclosures and removable inserts and their cooperation with a top openingof the presently disclosed travel container. For example, as shown inFIG. 10, outer wall 104 may have an exterior thread proximate topopening 319 and a top closure 312 may have an inner thread forthreadingly engaging the exterior thread proximate top opening 319.Outer wall 104 may have an inner thread proximate top opening 319 andremovable insert 303 may have an exterior thread configured forthreadingly engaging the inner thread proximate top opening 319. FIG.10a shows an embodiment of removable top closure or cap 310 that may beconfigured to be press fitted about the top opening in outer wall 104.Removable insert 303 a may have a seal for sealing with cap 310.

FIG. 11 shows illustrative embodiments of removable inserts configuredto cooperate with the top opening of the presently disclosed travelcontainer. For example, removable inserts 303 a-303 f show removableinserts having outer threads configured for threadingly engaging aninner thread proximate a top opening in the presently travel container.The removable insert may have a slot detent in an upper surface thereof,thus configuring the removable insert to be rotated and threadinglyengaging the outer wall about the top opening. Removable inserts 303 eand 303 f have slot detents for cooperation with the removable insertand rotating the insert. For example, removable insert 303 e has arounded slot detent 323 which may cooperate with a coin to rotateremovable insert 303 e and thread into a top opening of the presentlydisclosed travel container. In another example, removable insert 303 fhas a rectangular slot detent 329 which may cooperate with a tool, suchas a screwdriver, to rotate removable insert 303 f and thread into a topopening of the presently disclosed travel container.

The presently disclosed travel container may have a seal for sealing theremovable insert with a removable cap. For example, removable insert 303a may have a compression seal or an o-ring seal 306 about opening 305.In other examples shown herein, insert 303 b may have a flap seal 307about opening 305 and insert 303 c may have a washer or disk seal 309about opening 305. In at least one embodiment, a removable insert has noopening 305, for example insert 303 d, and is configured to seal thetravel container closed.

The presently disclosed travel container comprises an outer wall with atop opening and a bottom opening. The top opening may be configured anddisposed to dispense the flowable materials from the container. Thebottom opening may be configured and disposed to receive the flowablematerials into the container. A removable cap may be configured toengage an upper portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowablematerials from exiting the top opening. A removable closure may beconfigured to engage lower portion of the outer wall and prevent theflowable materials from exiting the bottom opening. A measuredemarcation of at most 3.4 ounces may be disposed on the outer wall. Themeasure demarcation indicates at least one of a fill volume and a volumeof the flowable material contained in the container.

In at least one embodiment of the presently disclosed travel container,the measure demarcation is proximate the bottom opening and indicates afill volume of the container. The location of the demarcation proximatethe bottom opening provides for filling an amount not to exceed 3.4ounces in the container, through the bottom opening. In at least oneother embodiment of the presently disclosed travel container, themeasure demarcation measure is proximate the top opening and indicatesthe volume of the flowable material contained in the container upon thecontainer being oriented in an upright orientation, having the topopening positioned upwardly.

The presently disclosed travel container travel container may have amaximum capacity of 3.4 ounces of the flowable material. The travelcontainer may be configured to contain the flowable materials upon areduction of exterior pressure. For example, the outer wall may beflexible to accommodate or configured to expand and hold the flowablematerials upon expansion of the contents, due to reduced exteriorpressure. In at least one embodiment, the travel container may have acapacity in excess of 3.4 ounces and may be configured to increase itsvolume from 3.4 ounces and hold the flowable materials containedtherein, upon expansion of the contents of the container due to areduction in external pressure as may be experienced during flight ofthe aircraft.

Air is a compressible fluid where water is substantially notcompressible. Many fluids that are placed into the travel container maycomprise primarily water or other substantially incompressible fluids.Therefore, substantially only the air in the container may tend toexpand in low pressure environments. In at least one embodiment of thepresently disclosed travel container or method, air may be removed, orsubstantially removed, from the container which may alleviate, orsubstantially eliminate, expanding of the contents of the container atelevation.

The presently disclosed travel container may have a removable closureconfigured to slide onto a lower portion of the bottom wall, slidingperpendicularly to an axis extending from the top opening of thecontainer to the bottom opening of the container.

The presently disclosed travel container may have for example, at leastone of a 1 ounce, two ounce, three ounce, and 3.4 ounce measuredemarcations. The presently disclosed travel container may have aflexible outer wall or otherwise configured to contain the flowablematerials upon a reduction of exterior pressure. In at least oneembodiment, the presently disclosed container has at least one sealconfigured to be disposed with the outer wall and the removable cap orthe removable closure.

In at least one embodiment, the presently disclosed travel container hasat least one area configured and disposed for the indication of a typeof the flowable material contained in the container.

A travel kit or system is presently disclosed. In at least oneembodiment, a travel kit is configured for carrying flowable materialsonto a commercial airline. The travel kit has a resealable carrierconfigured to carry at least one container, wherein the at least onecontainer is configured for carrying flowable materials. The at leastone container has an outer wall with a top opening and a bottom opening.The top opening is configured and disposed to dispense the flowablematerials from the container. The bottom opening is configured anddisposed receive the flowable materials into the container, allowing thecontainer to be refilled. A removable cap is configured to engage anupper portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials fromexiting the top opening. A removable closure is configured to engagelower portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials fromexiting the bottom opening. The at least one container has a measuredemarcation of 3.4 or about 3 ounces, or a maximum capacity of 3.4 orabout 3 ounces. The measure demarcation may indicate at least one of afill volume and a volume of the flowable material contained in thecontainer. The travel kit's carrier has a volume of at most one quart.

The figures show embodiments of the presently disclosed travelcontainer. In at least one embodiment of the presently disclosed travelcontainer, the travel container has a flexible or foldable sidewall orouter wall. The sidewall may have demarcations, such as 1, 2, 3, and 3.4ounce demarcations. In at least one embodiment, a marking showing amaximum fill of 3.4 ounces is provided.

The sidewall demarcations, indicating volume and/or contents, may bemarked, printed on or they can be integrated into or etched into thecontainer wall. For example, etching may be permanent and may providethe TSA assurance that the volume is as indicated on the container.

For example, a laser may be used to etch markings into the sidewall ofthe container.

A removable cap may have a helical thread to threadingly engage with anupper portion of the outer wall having an opening with a helical thread.The upper opening in the container may have a radius configured for thedispensing of fluids of different viscosities. For example, the upperopening may be small for low viscosity liquids and larger for moreviscous fluids such as shampoo. The removable cap may have a knurledportion for grasping and may have a seal, such as an o-ring, configuredand disposed for sealing the cap with the upper opening.

A removable closure may be configured to engage lower portion of theouter wall and prevent the flowable materials from exiting the bottomopening. For example, a foldable slider or fold clamp, may be configuredto slide onto a lower portion of the outer wall and close the bottom ofthe container. The sliding of the removable closure off of the lowerportion of the outer wall may provide a large opening for the filling ofthe travel container.

The figures shows a design of a removable closure configured to receiveand hold a folded lower portion of the container, thus engaging a lowerportion of the outer wall and preventing the flowable materials fromexiting the bottom opening. The removable closure may have a cylindrical“C” shaped portion extending about a centrally extending rod. The lowerportion of the outer wall may be folded and slid into the opening in the“C” shaped portion and around the rod. A seal may be incorporated withthe removable closure, such as a cylindrical length of flexible materialthat may be disposed between a folded sidewall slid into the cylindrical“C” shaped portion.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the bottom closureallows for the container volume to be adjusted or reduced to the volumeof the flowable materials contained therein. The sizing of the containerto the contents of flowable material contained therein may remove airfrom the container and/or may minimize the size of the containercontaining the flowable material. For example, the sizing of thecontainer to its liquid contents may maximize the number of containersthat may fit into one-quart carrier, thus maximizing the amount ofliquids that may be carried onto a commercial aircraft and meet TSArequirements.

The sidewall may have an indication of contents. For example, thecontainer may be color coded, have an area for the writing of thecontents of the container or for the placement of a label. In at leastone embodiment, the sidewall or outer wall has areas to be marked toindicate the contents of the container.

A travel kit may have a resealable carrier configured to carry at leastone container configured for carrying flowable materials. The carriermay have a volume of at most one quart. For example, the container maybe in the form of a resealable bag. The resealable carrier may beconfigured to hold a plurality of travel containers. The travelcontainers may have a variety of sizes, profiles, and a variety of topopenings for different contents of flowable materials.

The resealable carrier may be configured to carry about 1 to 10 travelcontainers of the present disclosure. For example, a travel kit may have6 to 8 containers of various sizes, or the same size, in a resealablecarrier.

The figures show example seals that may be incorporated with the travelcontainer of the present disclosure. For example, an o-ring seal may beconfigured to surround the top closure and cooperate with a neck of theouter wall of the container. A variety of configurations of a removableclosure may provide for the closing and sealing the bottom of the outerwall. For example, the bottom closure may be contoured, such havegripping extensions or have a concave or convex configuration. Other anddifferent configurations of the removable disclosure as will becomeknown by persons having skill in the art are within the presentdisclosure.

The figures of the present disclosure show an illustrative embodiment ofa removable closure configured to engage lower portion of the outer walland prevent the flowable materials from exiting the bottom opening. Forexample, the removable closure may have configured to slidingly receivea lower portion of the outer wall and lock the bottom end of the closureclosed. For example, the closure may have an outer “C” shaped sleevewith a longitudinally extending opening configured to receive a lowerportion of the outer wall. Centrally oriented with sleeve may be alongitudinally extending rotatable camming seal. The camming seal may beconfigured to press the outer wall against the sleeve and seal the outerwall. The sleeve may be rounded or oval. In at least one embodiment, thesleeve is oval and configured press and seal the outer wall between thesleeve and the camming seal when the camming seal is rotated into asealing orientation. Upon the camming seal being rotated into anon-sealing orientation, the outer wall may be slid to a desiredposition in the removable closure or removed from the container wall forrefilling of the container.

The figures show illustrative examples of interchangeable orifices thatmay accommodate different viscosity liquids, or flowable materials,using the same container. For example, a larger diameter orifice may bedesired for viscous liquids such as shampoo while a smaller diameterorifice may be desired for less viscous liquids such as cologne. In atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, the container has aninner and an outer thread about its neck opening. An insert having adesired orifice size may be screwed into the container neck and a capmay be screwed onto the outer perimeter of the container neck. A sealmay be made between the orifice insert and the cap. For example, theinsert or cap may have an o-ring or flap seal. Other and differentcompressive sealing surface features between cap, container, and/ororifice insert as are known by persons having ordinary skill in the artmay be provide.

The following patents, patent applications or patent publications, arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety herein: US20140374302, US 20120279960, US, 20100072224, US 20090097779, US20080105328, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,946,440, 7,905,367, 6,176,394, 5,452,748,4,863,014, 4,473,097, 4,445,609, 3,841,513, 3,648,876, 3,269,576,3,257,038, 3,199,737, 3,157,302, 3,086,264, 1,687,689, 1,351,496,1,024,894, 0,955,530, and WO 9310013.

The purpose of incorporating U.S. patents, foreign patents,publications, etc. is solely to provide additional information relatingto technical features of one or more embodiments, which information maynot be completely disclosed in the wording in the pages of thisapplication. Words relating to the opinions and judgments of the authorand not directly relating to the technical details of the description ofthe embodiments therein are not incorporated by reference. The wordsall, always, absolutely, consistently, preferably, guarantee,particularly, constantly, ensure, necessarily, immediately, endlessly,avoid, exactly, continually, expediently, need, must, only, perpetual,precise, perfect, require, requisite, simultaneous, total, unavoidable,and unnecessary, or words substantially equivalent to theabove-mentioned words in this sentence, when not used to describetechnical features of one or more embodiments, are not considered to beincorporated by reference herein.

Some examples of the presently disclosed travel container, kit, andmethod may be found in the following disclosure. The words all, always,absolutely, consistently, preferably, guarantee, particularly,constantly, ensure, necessarily, immediately, endlessly, avoid, exactly,continually, expediently, ideal, need, must, only, perpetual, precise,perfect, require, requisite, simultaneous, total, unavoidable, andunnecessary, or words substantially equivalent to the above-mentionedwords in this sentence, when not used to describe technical features ofone or more embodiments, are not to be considered in the instantdisclosure.

Aspects and features of the presently disclosed travel container andtravel kit are presently disclosed. One aspect of the disclosureprovides a travel container configured for carrying flowable materialsonto a commercial airline, the travel container comprising: a) An outerwall with a top opening and a bottom opening; b) The top opening beingconfigured and disposed to dispense the flowable materials from thecontainer; c) The bottom opening being configured and disposed toreceive the flowable materials into the container; d) A removable capconfigured to engage an upper portion of the outer wall and prevent theflowable materials from exiting the top opening; e) A removable closureconfigured to engage lower portion of the outer wall and prevent theflowable materials from exiting the bottom opening; f) A measuredemarcation of at most 3.4 ounces; and g) Wherein the measuredemarcation indicates at least one of a fill volume and a volume of theflowable material contained in the container.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a travel containerwherein the measure demarcation is proximate the bottom opening andindicates a fill volume.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container whereinthe measure demarcation is proximate the top opening and indicates thevolume of the flowable material contained in the container.

Still another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel containerwherein the measure demarcations are permanently etched into and part ofthe container wall.

A further aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container havingdemarcations less than or equal to 3.4 ounces.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container comprisingat least one area configured and disposed for the indication of a typeof the flowable material contained in the container.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container whereinthe removable bottom closure is configured to slide onto a lower portionof the bottom wall, sliding perpendicularly to an axis extending fromthe top opening to the bottom opening.

Still another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel containerwherein the outer wall is flexible and foldable.

A further aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container whereinthe removable bottom closure allows for the container volume and size tobe reduced by compressing or folding the outer wall of the container.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container having amaximum capacity of less than or equal to 3.4 ounces of the flowablematerial.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container havinga capacity in excess of 3.4 ounces and being configured to increase itsvolume from 3.4 ounces and hold the flowable materials containedtherein, upon expansion of the held materials due to a reduction inexternal pressure.

One aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container comprising atleast one compression seal configured to be disposed with the outer walland the top removable cap or the removable bottom closure.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a travel containerbeing configured to contain the flowable materials upon a reduction ofexterior pressure and pressure change cycles.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container whereinthe removable bottom closure has a pinching mechanism, or an oblong camshaped feature configured to compress and seal the container outer wall.

Still another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel containerwherein the removable bottom closure has a pinching mechanism or anoblong cam shaped feature comprising a detent feature, slotted keyway orother locking feature configured to position the removable bottomclosure on the outer wall.

A further aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container whereinthe removable top cap contacts the container main body or wall with useof a compression seal such as an o-ring, foldable flap, washer or diskintegrated with the container.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container wherein theremovable top cap has a compression seal such as an o-ring, foldableflap, washer, or disk seal configured to seal the top opening of thecontainer.

One aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container having aremovable insert with an orifice.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container wherein thetop neck of the container allows for the installation and removal of aremovable insert between the container outer wall and inner wall bymeans of a threaded screw method or press fit method.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container with aremovable insert with an outer thread configured to cooperate with aninner thread in the travel container, about its top opening.

Still another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container,wherein a removable insert can be placed in the top neck opening of thecontainer with none or more orifice openings passing through the insert.

A further aspect of the disclosure provides a travel container whereinthe removable insert contains a knurled surface, one or more rectangularflats, or slot detent which mechanically differentiate the insert fromthe container body to allow for the removal and installation of theinsert from the container main body by hand or with a tool.

One aspect of the disclosure provides a travel kit configured forcarrying flowable materials onto a commercial airline, the travel kitcomprising: A carrier configured to carrier at least one containerconfigured for carrying flowable materials; At least one travelcontainer configured for carrying flowable materials onto a commercialairline, the travel container comprising: a) An outer wall with a topopening and a bottom opening; b) The top opening being configured anddisposed to dispense the flowable materials from the container; c) Thebottom opening being configured and disposed to receive the flowablematerials into the container; d) A removable cap configured to engage anupper portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials fromexiting the top opening; e) A removable closure configured to engagelower portion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials fromexiting the bottom opening; f) A measure demarcation of at most 3.4ounces; and Wherein the measure demarcation indicates at least one of afill volume and a volume of the flowable material contained in thecontainer.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel kit wherein thecarrier has a volume of at most one quart.

One aspect of the disclosure provides a travel kit wherein the carrierhas a wall with one or more openings and the kit has one or moreclosures configured close each of the openings in the carrier.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a carrier closure isconfigured to slide onto a portion of the carrier wall and close one ofthe openings.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel kit wherein thecarrier wall is flexible and foldable.

Still another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel kit wherein thecarrier closure is removable and is configured to adjust the carriervolume and size.

A further aspect of the disclosure provides a carrier closure configuredto compress or fold the wall of the carrier.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel kit wherein thecarrier has demarcations indicating the volume of the carrierpermanently etched into and part of the carrier wall.

One aspect of the disclosure provides a travel kit comprising at leastone compression seal configured to cooperate with the wall of thecarrier and the carrier closure and seal the at least one opening in thecarrier Another aspect of the disclosure provides a carrier beingconfigured to contain flowable materials upon a reduction of exteriorpressure and pressure change cycles.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel kit wherein theremovable carrier closure has a pinching mechanism, or an oblong camshaped feature configured to compress or connect the carrier wall andclose an opening in the carrier.

Still another aspect of the disclosure provides a travel kit wherein thecarrier closure has a pinching mechanism or an oblong cam shaped featurecomprising a detent feature, slotted keyway or other locking featureconfigured to position the carrier closure on the carrier wall.

1. A travel container configured for carrying flowable materials onto acommercial airline, the travel container comprising: an outer wall witha top opening and a bottom opening; wherein the top opening isconfigured and disposed to dispense the flowable materials from thetravel container and the bottom opening is configured and disposed toreceive the flowable materials into the travel container; a removablecap configured to engage an upper portion of the outer wall and preventthe flowable materials from exiting the top opening; a removable closureconfigured to engage a lower portion of the outer wall and prevent theflowable materials from exiting the bottom opening; a maximum fillcapacity of 3.4 ounces or at least one measure demarcation, demarking atmost 3.4 ounces, on the outer wall; wherein the at least one measuredemarcation indicates at least one of a fill volume and a volume of theflowable material contained in the travel container.
 2. The travelcontainer of claim 1, wherein the at least one measure demarcation isproximate the bottom opening and indicates a fill volume, upon theremovable closure being removed and the travel container being orientedwith the bottom opening above the top opening.
 3. The travel containerof claim 1, wherein the at least one measure demarcation is proximatethe top opening and indicates the volume of the flowable materialcontained in the travel container, upon the travel container beingoriented with the top opening above the bottom opening.
 4. The travelcontainer of claim 1, wherein the at least one measure demarcation ispermanently etched into, and is part of, the travel container outerwall.
 5. The travel container of claim 1 comprising at least two measuredemarcations, wherein at least one of the measure demarcations demarksat most 3.4 ounces of flowable materials in the travel container.
 6. Thetravel container of claim 1 comprising at least one area configured anddisposed for an indication of a type of the flowable material containedin the travel container.
 7. The travel container of claim 1, wherein theremovable bottom closure is configured to slide onto a portion of theouter wall proximate the bottom opening, sliding perpendicularly to anaxis extending from the top opening to the bottom opening.
 8. The travelcontainer of claim 7, wherein the removable bottom closure has acylindrical “C” shaped portion extending about a centrally extendingrod.
 9. The travel container of claim 8 comprising an oblong cam shapedfeature configured to compress the outer wall against the “C” shapedportion and seal the bottom opening closed.
 10. The travel container ofclaim 1, wherein the removable bottom closure has a pinching mechanismconfigured for pinching the outer wall and closing the bottom opening.11. The travel container of claim 1 further comprising a compressionseal, foldable flap, washer, or disk configured to seal the removablecap about the top opening.
 12. The travel container of claim 1 furthercomprising a removable insert configured to be inserted into the topopening, the removable insert has a selected sized opening therein. 13.The travel container of claim 12, wherein the removable insert isconfigured to be inserted and held in the top opening by threadinglyengaging the removable insert with the outer wall about the top opening.14. The travel container of claim 13, wherein the removable insert has aslot detent in an upper surface thereof, thus configuring the removableinsert to be rotated and threadingly engaging the outer wall about thetop opening.
 15. A travel kit configured for carrying flowable materialsonto a commercial airline, the travel kit comprising: at least onetravel container comprising: an outer wall with a top opening and abottom opening; wherein the top opening is configured and disposed todispense the flowable materials from the travel container and the bottomopening is configured and disposed to receive the flowable materialsinto the travel container; a removable cap configured to engage an upperportion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials fromexiting the top opening; a removable closure configured to engage lowerportion of the outer wall and prevent the flowable materials fromexiting the bottom opening; and a maximum fill capacity of 3.4 ounces orat least one measure demarcation, demarking at most 3.4 ounces, offlowable materials in the travel container; the kit further comprising acarrier having a volume of at most one quart; and wherein the carrier isconfigured to hold and carry each of the at least one travel container.16. The travel kit of claim 15 further comprising at least one removableinsert configured to be inserted into the top opening, the removableinsert has a selected sized opening therein.
 17. The travel kit of claim16 comprising a first removable insert having a first sized openingtherein and a second removable insert having a second sized openingtherein, wherein the first sized opening is different than the secondsized opening.
 18. The travel kit of claim 15, wherein the carrier hasflexible or foldable wall.
 19. The travel kit of claim 18, wherein thecarrier is configured to be reduced in volume to a volume proximate toeach of the travel containers held therein.
 20. The travel kit of claim15, wherein the carrier has a volume of one quart and an outerdemarcation indicating the volume of the carrier to be one quart.